Apr. 14—ROCHESTER — The American Red Cross serving Southern Minnesota will install free smoke alarms and provide home fire prevention and safety education for residents in Stewartville during a Sound the Alarm event on Saturday, May 3.
“A working smoke alarm can be the difference between survival and tragedy — and as a community, we can help our neighbors stay safe by ensuring they have these lifesaving devices,” said Melanie Tschida, executive director of Red Cross serving Southern Minnesota, in a press release
Sound the Alarm smoke alarm installation events are a critical part of the national Red Cross Home Fire Campaign which aims to reduce the number of deaths from home fires. The Home Fire Campaign has helped save 2,284 lives since its launch in October 2014 due to working smoke alarms in homes.
Those who want to participate in this Sound the Alarm event can register at SoundTheAlarm.org/MNDAKS . No prior experience is needed — training will be provided for installing smoke alarms and sharing fire safety information.
Local residents who need a smoke alarm can call 612-460-3674 or visit SoundTheAlarm.org/MNDAKS to schedule an appointment for a free smoke alarm installation during this Red Cross Sound the Alarm event or at any time, year-round. During short home visits, Red Cross volunteers and partners will also share information on the causes of home fires, how to prevent them, what to do if a fire starts and how to create an escape plan.
“Sound the Alarm is a rewarding way to give back and directly help local families,” added Tschida. “It’s a day of coming together to support one another, especially those most vulnerable to home fires.”